Synthesis and Photoluminescence Properties of Pr(3+)-Doped Ba(0.5)Ca(0.5)Ti(x)Zr((1-x))O(3) Perovskite Diphasic Ceramics Obtained by the Modified Pechini Method

The Pr(3+)-doped solid solutions from (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O(3) (BCTZO) system were successfully synthesized using an efficient and low-energy consuming route—the Pechini method combined with the sintering at relatively low temperature (1450 °C). The obtained materials were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dielectric properties were systematically studied. The Pr(3+)-doped BCTZO diphasic material generates intense and broad red photoluminescence (PL) emission at room temperature. The optical properties were significantly improved with the Ti(4+) substitution by Zr(4+) ions. As a result, the Pr(3+)-doped (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O(3) ceramics is a promising candidate for environmentally friendly, multifunctional material by combining good dielectric and photoluminescent properties with prognosis for the manifestation of strong photoluminescent and mechanoluminescent effects.